McGowan Lifts Rainey Award
Versatile former Ulster U20 and Queen’s forward Paddy McGowan was presented with the Player of the Year Trophy at Rainey Old Boys’ Annual Dinner recently. The talented back or second row man was a popular choice, having missed very few games in both leagues. Jonathan Lees was a clear winner of the Most Improved Player award.
The other playing awards went to –
2nd XV – Jimmy Cassidy
3rd XV – Mark Donnelly
4th XV – Hugh Mulholland.
Young Ronan Mc Cusker was presented with a club tie to mark his selection for the Ulster U18 side. He was given some game time at first XV level at the end of the season and has two brothers who have shown real potential. So, who knows, all three could feature on the same Rainey side in the not too distant future.
John McGoldrick’s work as Director of Rugby and Manager of the 1st XV earned him the Janet McFalone Memorial Salver.
The Robert J. Glover Memorial Trophy, for Club Person of the Year, was won by Heather Thornton, whose great work at the head of the Minis section of the club should guarantee a bright future for the Old Boys.
Graffin Parke was a very efficient MC on an occasion when after-dinner speakers Dylan Davies and Randalstown man Andy Kennedy proved to be a very entertaining double act.
Congratulations To New Office Bearers
Following on from the recent club AGM, we would like to congratulate Louise Flanigan who succeeds Tommy McGoldrick as President, and a big welcome back to Dr Paddy Pyper who will be assuming the role of Vice-President. Paddy has also agreed to assist Graffin Parke with the arduous task of handling the club’s allocation of International Tickets. A big thank you to Heather Thornton who will be staying with us as Mini Convenor and indeed to all the players, coaches, volunteers, staff and sponsors who all help make the club the success it is.
The other new office bearers elected at the AGM were:
Treasurer – Davey Young
Chairman of Finance – Barney Smyth
Fixtures Secretary – Stephen Fields
Youth Convenor – Geraint Lloyd Evans
Club Captain for next season is David Dawson.
The other captains are:
2nd XV – Richard Fowler
3rd XV – Declan McKenna
4th XV – Craig Moore
